Jun 11 2008
Dear Kevin Garnett,
Do you want a title? Do you want to be considered one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the game? If you answer yes to either or both of these questions then you’re going to have to show up in these NBA Finals.
I know you’re playing great defense and a monster on the boards. But game 3 was there for the taking. The game played out beautifully for the Celtics. Everyone knew going in Kobe was going to get 15-20 free throws. Everyone knew Kobe was going to go for 30 plus. Those who don’t believe “the Kobe has changed hype “knew Kobe was going to be overly aggressive, selfish and not get his teammates involved, except for Saaaaaaaaasha. So the game was the perfect script for a Celtics win.
Of course Paul Pierce had a bad night shooting as well. But he is a guard/forward those nights can happen because he is taking jumpers and is being guarded a lot by Kobe Bryant. But you Kevin, your 7 feet tall last I checked. No one shot more jump shots last night than you, Kevin. And I’m not talking about 10 footers you were out on the perimeter shooting so many jumpers I thought you were Sam Cassell. Just to remind you again, you are 7 foot. Get down on the box and go to work on below average defenders Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Even if your not scoring being down on the box will cause both big and small double teams. So even if you miss on the box it gives Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe and PJ Brown a chance to get rebounds on the weak side. And when they double with guards it can get open looks for Allen and Pierce if the ball is swung properly. I don’t really understand why the Lakers are double-teaming you. Right now if I was the Lakers I’m leaving you and Rondo open on anything 15 feet and out. And occasional jump shot in the flow of the offense isn’t a problem. Or even if your shooting well that night. But you haven’t shot jumpers well since the first half of game 1. Get down on the box and go to work and be aggressive. There is no one on the Lakers front line that can stop you if you’re aggressive on the offensive end.
It may seem like I’m calling you out. I’m not Kevin; I like you as a player. But right in front of you, you have the opportunity to move into the conversation of top power forwards of all-time. Your contemporary, Tim Duncan, lives down on the block. Occasionally he does shoot jumpers, but mainly he is on the block. Because down there you influence the other teams defense and get to the foul line. And to be spoken in the same sentence as the greats your going to have to get buckets and have a bigger influence on your team on the offensive end. Defensively your team is controlling the Lakers, but offensively unless it is Leon Powe there is no inside scoring. But c’mon Kevin if Pow or Powe can dominate in the paint against the Lakers, why can’t you?
And do all sports fans a favor and be aggressive on offense if for no other reason to shut up Skip Bayless who calls you Kevin “Garnott.”
Thanks in advance for your consideration,
Blackballsports.com
